202 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



To the reptiles and batraehians some new species have been 

 added. The additions to the series of casts of fishes mentioned in 

 the last repoTt have had their backgrounds painted black and 

 have been hung along the top of the case of alcoholic fish. 



Some additions have been made to the series of invertebrates, 

 and a black background has been given to the cases of corals. 

 A beginning has also been made in the preparation of a type 

 zoologic collection, to contain forms illustrating the different 

 classes and orders, whether confined to New York or not, and 

 with a full series of descriptive labels. 



The collection of domestic fowl, formerly the property of the 

 New York State Agricultural Society, has been rearranged, and 

 a portion of it placed on small polished bases. 



The vivaria, containing several species of common reptiles and 

 batraehians, have been continued through the year and are 

 apparently objects of considerable interest to the public. 



Dr Farr expects soon to send in the first part of his report on 

 the birds of New York, and Miss Letson has nearly completed her 

 check list of the New York Mollusca. 



ENTOMOLOGY 



The State Entomologist reports that the season of 1903 has been 

 remarkable for the abnormal abundance and destructiveness of 

 plant lice of various species, and that the grapevine root worm 

 continues t(5 inflict severe injuries in the Chautauqua grape belt. 



Extended studies of this grape pest have been prosecuted during 

 the season and a thoroughly practical method of controlling the 

 pest, demonstrated. Many valuable data have been obtained, and 

 an account of the work will appear in a revised and extended edi- 

 tion of Museum bulletin 59. Experiments with various insec- 

 ticides for controlling the San Jos6 scale have been continued in 

 the vicinity of Albany and also in Orange county and some most 

 gratifying results obtained. A second instalment of the beneficial 

 Chinese lady beetle, which may prove of value in suppressing this 

 pest, has been obtained from the United States Department of 



